Planning a 10-day itinerary in China can be a challenging yet exciting task because China is a vast country with rich cultural heritage. If you want to make the most of your trip and experience a variety of cities, landscapes and cultural highlights, followings are some recommended cities in China. Since you only have 10 days, you'll likely need to focus on a few cities but can include short visits to others that are geographically close.
Beijing, as the capital of China, is a city steeped in history and culture. It offers a rich tapestry of ancient imperial architecture, stunning landmarks, and modern developments. Boasting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, it is recommended that you stay in Beijing for at least 3 days.
Suggested Beijing Itinerary for 3 Days
Day 1: Imperial Beijing
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City.
Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Heaven and take a walk in its vast park.
Evening: Explore Wangfujing Street, Beijing’s bustling shopping district, and enjoy some local street food or dine in a famous Peking duck restaurant.
Day 2: Ancient and Natural Wonders
Morning: Visit the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling).
Afternoon: Visit the Bird Nest and Water Cube
Day 3: Imperial Garden
Morning: Explore the Summer Palace, stroll through the gardens, and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Xi'an, located in central China, is one of the most historically significant cities in China. Known as the starting point of the Silk Road and as the former capital of several dynasties, including the Qin, Han, and Tang, Xi'an offers a treasure trove of ancient sites and cultural heritage. The most famous attraction here is the Terracotta Army, but the city also boasts a wealth of other historical landmarks and a vibrant atmosphere blending ancient history with modern life.
Suggested Xi'an Itinerary for 2 Days
Day 1: Ancient Xi'an
Morning: Start with the Terracotta Army. Take a taxi or a tour bus to the site early to avoid the crowds.
Afternoon: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum to understand more about the region's ancient culture.
Evening: Visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower for views of the city.
Day 2: Historical Landmarks & Culture
Morning: Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After exploring the pagoda, take a stroll through the surrounding Dayan Pagoda Northern Square.
Afternoon: Visit the Great Mosque and wander through the Muslim Quarter to experience local culture and try Xi’an’s famous food.
Evening: If you're interested in a traditional cultural show, consider attending the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show for a glimpse of ancient music, dance, and food.
Chengdu is known for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy cuisine, and most famously, as the home of the giant pandas. Chengdu perfectly blends ancient culture with modern life, offering a relaxed atmosphere, vibrant teahouses, scenic parks, and an array of cultural and culinary experiences.
Suggested Chengdu Itinerary for 2 Days
Day 1: Chengdu’s Pandas & Parks
Morning: Start your day early at the Chengdu Panda Base to see the pandas. Spend a few hours here watching the pandas play and eat.
Afternoon: Visit Wuhou Shrine and stroll through Jinli Ancient Street for shopping and snacks. Relax at a traditional teahouse in People's Park, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Day 2: Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning: Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Afternoon: Back to Chengdu
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sichuan Hotpot for dinner, followed by a Sichuan opera performance.
Known for its dazzling skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, Shanghai is a dynamic city that beautifully combines modernity with its rich cultural heritage.
Suggested Shanghai Itinerary for 1 Day
Day 1: Modern Shanghai
Morning: Start your day with a visit to The Bund to admire colonial-era architecture and skyline views. Explore the Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views.
Afternoon: Head to Nanjing Road for shopping and lunch. Visit Yu Garden for a peaceful stroll through the classical gardens.
Evening: Have dinner at Xintiandi, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund.
Hangzhou, a famous city in Jiangnan(south of the Yangtze River), is known as the West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Chinese tea.
Suggested Hangzhou Itinerary for 2 Days
Day 1: West Lake and Surroundings
Morning: Start your day with a leisurely boat ride on West Lake. Visit Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
Afternoon: Explore the Lingyin Temple and take a walk through Feilai Peak to see the ancient Buddhist carvings.
Evening: Stroll along the West Lake to enjoy sunset views. Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant, and try West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce.
Day 2: Culture and Tea
Morning: Visit the China National Silk Museum, followed by a trip to the Longjing Tea Plantations for a tea-tasting experience.
Afternoon: Visit Hefang Street for lunch and shopping. Explore the local handicrafts and traditional architecture.
Evening: Try Dongpo Pork for dinner, then head to Xixi Wetland Park for a serene evening walk.
Guilin is known for its stunning karst mountains, limestone peaks, and serene rivers.
Suggested Guilin Itinerary for 3 Days
Day 1: Explore Guilin’s Famous Scenery
Morning: Take an early drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, hike through the terraces and enjoy the spectacular views.
Evening: Explore Two Rivers and Four Lakes on a night cruise, enjoying the illuminated scenery.
Day 2: Yangshuo
Morning: Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing through karst mountains and picturesque landscapes.
Afternoon: Exploring Yangshuo, rent a bike or take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River.
Evening: Watch the Impression Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo, an outdoor performance set on the river with stunning views of the mountains.
Day 3: Nature and Local Culture
Morning: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, followed by a walk through Dongxixiang.
Suzhou is one of China’s most historically and culturally rich cities, often referred to as the Venice of the East due to its intricate system of canals and traditional Chinese gardens. The city, with its ancient water towns, silk industry, and classical gardens, embodies the essence of traditional Chinese art and culture. Suzhou is a must-visit for those interested in architecture, gardens, and traditional craftsmanship.
Suggested Suzhou Itinerary for 2 Days
Day 1: Suzhou’s Classical Gardens
Morning: Start your day at The Humble Administrator’s Garden. Explore its ponds, pavilions, and lush greenery.
Afternoon: Head to the Lingering Garden and take a leisurely stroll through its serene paths.
Evening: Explore Pingjiang Road for dinner and enjoy some traditional local snacks.
Day 2: Water Towns and Local Culture
Morning: Visit Tongli or Zhouzhuang, two of the most famous ancient water towns. Take a boat ride and explore the quaint streets.
Afternoon: Head back to Suzhou and visit the Suzhou Museum to learn about the city’s history and art.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and try drunken chicken or sweet and sour mandarin fish.
Chongqing is known as its magical 3D transportation, hotpot and charming night view. It is the starting point of the Yangtze River Cruise. Famous for its spicy cuisine, hilly terrain, three gorges, and rich cultural history, Chongqing offers an exciting blend of modernity and tradition.
Suggested Chongqing Itinerary for 1 day
Day 1: Explore the City and its Landmarks
Morning: Visit Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street for shopping and a taste of the modern side of Chongqing. Visit the subway crossing the buildings at Liziba Station.
Afternoon: Head to Ciqikou Ancient Town to experience Chongqing’s traditional architecture and local snacks.
Evening: Visit Hongya Cave for stunning views and dinner along the river.
Harbin travel is popular in China in winter with its wonderful scenery of ice and snow in winter.
Suggested Harbin Itinerary for 3 Days
Day 1: Winter Wonderland & City Exploration
Morning: Start with a visit to Saint Sophia Cathedral, followed by a stroll through Harbin Central Street.
Afternoon: Explore the Three Russian churches and visit Harbin Polarland or Yabuli Ski Resort (if you're visiting during the winter months).
Evening: Head to Zhaolin Park for the Ice Lantern Festival and enjoy the dazzling ice sculptures at night.
Day 2: Scenic Views & Snow Sculptures
Morning: Visit Sun Island for its snow sculptures or take a cruise along the Songhua River if you’re visiting in winter.
Afternoon: Explore Volga Manor, and enjoy Russian food and folk performances.
Evening: Return to Central Street for shopping and dining at one of the city's Russian-influenced restaurants.
Day 3: History & Culture
Morning: Head to Harbin’s Tiger Park to observe Siberian tigers, followed by a trip to the Three Gorges Museum.
Afternoon: Visit the Harbin Ice and Snow World (during winter) or explore Dancing Snow Park and Siberian Tiger Park.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, trying famous dishes like Harbin sausage and pelmeni.
From $ 2347
From $ 1670
From on request